General
Tattoos
So I just got another tattoo, 5 years out from a liver transplant, and I’m curious how people feel about them.
I have over a dozen now, with about half of them being post transplant. My team said none for the first year (makes sense!) but after that it was a personal choice if I wanted to take the risk. I always get labs done right before a tattoo appointment and would reschedule if I wasn’t in the best situation possible. I’m also really picky about who I go to, the cleanliness of the studio…
I’ve never had any issues, or delayed healing, though I do know that can happen. I also try to amp up on hydration, healthy eating… in the days following to support my body’s healing process.
I’m curious - would you get a tattoo and what would you get/do you have?
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I have no tattoos nor am I interested in getting one.
I had one before the transplant. Only one. I want to get another. Something with a green survivor ribbon. I do need to heal a bit longer.
I have no desire for tattoo as I am perfect the way I am!! :)
But I have read a few articles indicating that are associated with elevated skin cancer risk. Sorry, I don't have links to any of those articles.
Transplant Patient
I know it’s definitely a personal choice. Personally I love tattoos and if I had my way I’d be covered but not everyone is like that š
I do know it has some increased risks. Each time is a risk benefit analysis for me, and I make the decision I (and my team) are most comfortable with. Maybe one day my health will be in a place I’ll stop, but for right now I have chosen to take on the risk
Taking risks can be scary, but we still have to live. I agree with @AliEm14. Discussing any risk with your transplant team can help with anxiety that comes with any risk.
I agree with u guys on decisions if u have any issues or concerns reach out to your team better to be safe then sorry
@AliEm14 I went for a consultation for a new tattoo, and the artist told me to let my scar heal a bit longer. I am definitely going to him for the future tat. He said he wants me to be happy with the result, so heal a bit longer. He could have just done it, and who knows how it would have turned out. I appreciate his concern for my health and the happiness with the tat.
I have 5, all pre transplant. I was told that they carry risks of infection post transplant. I am 28 months post and really want another. I tell myself if I make it to 5 years, I will take the risk.
send photos! I love tattoo choices.
Transplant Patient
Remind me and I'll do a tattoo tour during our next support group!
I have tattoos pre and post transplant. i was warned about infections but been lucky to not experience any...
The only thing i can say is that at times, when i feel a lupus flare coming on, my tats raise above my skin... it feels like reading braille.. After a while, when body calms down, they go back to normal....
is it just me???????
yeah i have one pre transplant and will look to get another once i get my 2nd tx. i have a few ideas..
I’m really wanting to get 2. One for my transplant and one for my late husband. I’ve designed both of them but I’m just waiting for the right time for me.
I have 8, all pre transplants. I'm just about 4 months post transplants so I can't get anything yet, but I've been designing one in honor of my donor, but will only get it after I've spoken with my team and it's been far enough out to do so.